Donna Murray-Brown Bio

Donna Murray-Brown is the president and CEO of Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), a statewide membership organization dedicated to serving the diverse nonprofit sector through advocacy, training, technology services and civic engagement. Murray-Brown is the driving force behind MNA’s strategic direction and operations.

Prior to being named president and CEO in 2013, Murray-Brown served as director of the Metro Detroit Partnership Office and senior director of capacity building at MNA where she led a successful strategic alliance program for arts and culture organizations in metro Detroit and led the merger negotiations of four organizations to create the Belle Isle Park Conservancy. She also attracted national program partnerships and investments to the region including New York-based National Urban Fellows and Wisconsin-based Public Allies.
Additionally, Murray-Brown was vice president and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) director for Charter One Bank, where she developed and executed strategy for CRA compliance. She helped strengthen the company's business and corporate citizenship with key partnerships of more than 100 civic and community-based organizations.

Murray-Brown is the past chair for the National Council of Nonprofits, and vice chair for the Board of Trustees for Detroit Public Television. She was appointed to the Board of Trustees by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on December 18, 2019 for a term that will end on December 31, 2026. Murray-Brown was also named to the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees in December 2019 for a term that ends in 2026.

Murray-Brown whose pronouns are she/her/hers, earned a master’s degree in Community Development from University of Detroit Mercy and a BA in Administration from Central State University. She also holds certifications in corporate community affairs from Boston College and strategic perspectives in nonprofit management from Harvard Business School.

Bill Gesaman - Bio

Bill Gesaman is Strategic Growth Officer for Michigan Nonprofit Association. As a member of the senior leadership team, he is responsible for the strategic development of member recruitment and retention, communication, products, and services.  His duties also include event ideation, collaborative agreements, and sustainability programs.  In this position, Bill identifies the emerging needs of key stakeholders and develops strategies to address those needs.

Prior to joining MNA in August 2010, Bill worked with the Boy Scouts of America for more than five years. There he worked with approximately 3,500 families and hundreds of volunteers while leading efforts in fundraising, program development, volunteer management, committee leadership, and membership.  Bill is a graduate of Michigan State University.

Joan Gustafson - Bio

Joan Gustafson is External Affairs Officer for Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA). MNA is a statewide membership organization dedicated to serving the diverse nonprofit sector through civic engagement, data and technology, and advocacy.

Ms. Gustafson is responsible for the development and execution of a comprehensive public affairs and communication strategy for the organization. Previously, she spearheaded the communication and government affairs efforts for the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI). Prior to joining IFPTI, Joan was the Regional Director of West Michigan for Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and served as the Governor’s liaison and ombudsman for the region.

Joan holds a degree in economics from the University of Minnesota. Joan was also appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports for a term commencing May 22, 2020 and expiring April 30, 2022.

Kelley Kuhn - Bio

Kelley Kuhn serves as the Vice President for the Michigan Nonprofit Association. Michigan Nonprofit Association is a statewide membership organization dedicated to serving the diverse nonprofit sector through civic engagement, capacity-building, data and technology, and advocacy. In accordance with the mission, vision and strategic direction, Ms. Kuhn provides ongoing support and expertise to all management personnel. She is responsible for establishing the annual goals and objectives, as well as overseeing the policies and procedures for the organization and its functions, programs, and affiliates. Ms. Kuhn also manages the day-to-day operations of the organization.

Before joining the Michigan Nonprofit Association, Ms. Kuhn was a nonprofit consultant and executive director of the Jackson Nonprofit Support Center. She has extensive experience in nonprofit training, technical assistance, and needs-assessment focusing on management support and capacity-building services.

A graduate of Western Michigan University, Kelley also received a Masters of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University.